Pretoria — The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has commended the swift and coordinated actions of its personnel at Tek Base after five men suspected of running a vehicle theft syndicate were arrested on 4 May.
According to the SANDF, the suspects were using the vicinity of the Pretoria-based military facility as a haven for their alleged illegal operations.
Military police, working closely with soldiers stationed at Tek Base, acted on intelligence and intercepted the group after spotting a suspicious white Toyota Fortuner near the Engineering Formation.
Further investigations uncovered a second vehicle — a white Kia — which was allegedly fitted with falsified license discs, intensifying suspicions of an organised vehicle theft syndicate operating in and around military zones.
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Friday, 09 May 2025. #SANDF commended soldiers for swift action in apprehending suspected vehicle thieves at TekBase.
Media Statement by Defence Corporate Communication || Media Liaison.
#DCCMediaLiaison pic.twitter.com/SskDanrz7K
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) May 9, 2025
The suspects, all residents of Mamelodi, were arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Lyttelton and remain in custody.
Both vehicles have been impounded for forensic examination.
In a statement, the SANDF praised the professionalism and vigilance of the soldiers involved, saying they had demonstrated “discipline and a strong sense of duty”.
“Military bases are secure and protected zones. Any civilian found engaging in criminal activity near or within these premises will face the full might of the law,” the statement read.
“There is zero tolerance for unlawful conduct on military property.”
Videos circulating on social media show the suspected car thieves lying topless on the ground as SANDF officials interrogate them following their arrest.
One SANDF officer, dressed in pyjamas and visibly angry, questions a suspect about targeting a particular house.
The suspect, who admits to stealing cars, claims he took a vehicle because no one.
Tensions rise briefly when the suspect approaches the official, who warns him to back off, threatening consequences.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
